As per the information the stake of Volkswagen will rise to the controlling holding of more than one third in the coming year. As per the information available they will be making this decision in the coming week. As per the statement made by the spokesmen of Volkswagen the purchase of 20 percent stake of Suzuki is estimated to cost around 250 billion yen i.e. $ 2.80 billion yen.
As per the executive of Volkswagen which is also the third largest auto car manufacturer and Europe largest automaker, VW has been targeting Suzuki from last year for their small car technology. Suzuki which is Japan's fourth largest Auto manufacturer stated that they are looking to enter with an partnership with VW after they have suffered a huge loss by making ties with General Motors Co. which have banked on for getting the technological help for the purpose of manufacturing the hybrid and other next generation car technology.
Suzuki which has made a strong impact on the Indian market as well as on the Japanese market to manufacture the 660cc mini vehicles also called as “Kei Cars” which is stated to have a market capitalisation of $13.7 billion in comparison with Volkswagen's $45.7 billion. It is further stated that Suzuki captures 20 percent of stake in the treasury stock which is been brought from the GM between 2006 and 2008.
1. GMC PAD
The GMC is not just a car, but an entire home. It’s where you live, work, or if it has to be put in this way, merely where you want to be. The GMC PAD, an urban loft with mobility, is a concept for living in the ever-changing cultural landscape. It’s a home ownership concept that enables cultural and geographic freedom for the modern city dweller. Its photo-voltaic cells collect sun rays during the day as the energy source. And to be even more hippie-happy, of course, the vehicle features aptly named LifeMode and DriveMode, fit for life, and then for a drive. An innovation par excellence is what we like to say. But in terms of looks, it can be said that the GMC PAD is just ugly and weird.
2. Peugeot Moovie
The Peugeot Moovie and is the result of imagination of Andre Costa of Portugal. Actually, this Peugeot Moovie is a consequence of the Third Peugeot Design Competition. This competition was to encourage designers from all over the world to submit their designs for a Peugeot car they would like to drive. And the bizarre Moovie came first. (Can you believe this?!?)
The rear wheels of the car are actually part of the doors and have multiple functions: allowing access to the cabin and also reducing energy consumption because of its extra- large set of tires.
3. Bombardier Embrio
The design brief for Bombadier Embrio Concept was to "create highly innovative, functional and exciting products to exceed people's recreational needs" and find the "next thing" in recreational vehicles. God only knows, whether you will find the "next thing" in this one-wheeler.
This strange Embrio is powered hydrogen fuel cells. The Embrio also got infrared night vision and an active suspension that adjusts to road conditions, thanks to a computerized network of sensors and gyroscopes. To drive it, there's an accelerator trigger on the left handlebar, to stop it, simply use a brake trigger on the right handlebar! The Embrio is made of lightweight materials like aluminum, magnesium and nylon - weighing only 360 pounds!
Next time, check this out biker dudes!
The original Citroen DS was developed in secret for 18 years as a successor to the highly innovative and legendary Traction Avant, while the new car, the Citroen DS3 was just meant to be a replica of the fame carried by its predecessor.
The original car was styled by Italian sculptor and industrial designer Flaminio Bertoni and was launched in 1955 Paris Motor Show where it left the people awestruck for its futuristic, aerodynamic styling. This car featured a self-leveling suspension and set the bench mark for ride and handling in a car of that era.
This car also featured a fiberglass roof for reduced weight transfer during cornering. The car began its innings in the automotive world with a humble air-cooled, carbureted, 1911cc in-line four motor that delivered 75 bhp and ended with a fuel-injected, 2347 cc, 143 bhp in-line four. (Sorry about that humble tone)
Citroen DS was also a car which fetched racing laurels for the company when it won the Monte Carlo rally in 1959 and 1966. This was a car which won admiration from none other than the than French president Charles De Gulle in 1962 when an unarmoured car which he was travelling escaped an assassination attempt on his life in top speed even with two flat, bullet ridden tyres. Whoa! A personal body guard for sure eh?
This car which was a sign of the French ingenuity remained in production from 1955 to 1975 and also was ranked third in the car of the century competition of 1999. This car also has won the beauty contest after it was named the most beautiful car of all time classics and sports car magazine after a poll of 20 world-renowned car designers.
The old Citroen DS looked very much like a blend of Jaguar E-Type, a Porsche 911, a boat and a frog. What do you have to say? Beautiful ???
Now back to the present, This car Citroen DS3 was developed to bring the legendary name back to life. The car features the flamboyant eccentricity of design that Citroen is famous for, as this car has a shark-fin B pillar that stands against the blacked out green-house. The car has humongous space inside it which is highly practical with large stowage space and huge boot.
Citroen DS3 will be manufactured at Poissy in France and will be powered by 90 and 110 bhp diesel engines while the 95,120 and 150 bhp engines will do the trick for the petrol versions.
We have just one sentence to say about this car while comparing the older version of the car. It will never be as revolutionary or evocative as the original as Originals always and will be originals.
Affectionately called the “Bug”, the Beetle came into being in 1938 when Adolf Hitler ordered Ferdinand Porsche to design a "people's car". Erwin Komenda, Porsche's chief designer, was responsible for the design and style of the car. When the car was launched, critics had predicted a complete failure for the Beetle because of its peculiar styling and less powerful engine, but the car proved the critics wrong and went on to make history. Moreover, the original Beetle had the longest production run of any vehicle ever from 1938-2003. The Beetle has revolutionized the world by being the best selling single design car in history with a sales record of more than 21.5 million units.
The New Beetle was introduced in 1998 and it drew heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front with front wheel drive and luggage storage in the rear.
The Volkswagen New Beetle carries a 2.0L I4 petrol engine which can deliver a power output of 115 bhp. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the engine can give a decent average mileage of 13.5 km/l and complies to the stringent Euro IV emission norms. It has been imported from Volkswagen's Mexico factory as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) which attracts an import duty of 110 per cent. Hence, the car is pricey and comes with a price of Rs. 20 Lakh (ex showroom, New Delhi).
With its immortal rounded contours, the Volkswagen New Beetle flaunts body-coloured outer rear mirrors, door handles and bumpers and runs on 15-inch alloy wheels. The beady headlamps commands attention and the circular tail lamps add grace to the rear fascia.
Coming to the inside, the two-door, four-seater greets with top-notch leather upholstery. The cozy cabin sports leather-covered steering wheel rim, gear lever knob and handbrake lever grip as well as premium leather seats. This classic hatchback includes standard features like electrically adjustable mirrors, 3-spoke tilt/telescoping power steering wheel, traction control, central locking, MP3 compatible "gamma CD" radio with Aux-in, height-adjustable front seats, electric sliding roof with sunblind and many more. The Beetle assures safety of its passengers with ABS with EBD, EDL, ESP, front head restraints and dual-frontal and side airbags.
The Beetle will come in a colour palette of Salsa Red, Sunflower, Deep Black, Razor Blue, Reflex Silver, Gecko Green and Campanella White.
Maruti Suzuki A-Star has crossed the export mark of 1 lakh units after its latest shipment from the Mundra port. And this achievement of Maruti Suzuki came after less than a year after its first shipment to Europe in January in the start of this year.
Maruti Suzuki’s A-star which was launched in India in November 2008 is manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant that holds the reputation of being a sole base of production of A-Star. The car is being exported to 69 countries.
Europe has emerged as the major export destination for A-star, where the car is sold as Suzuki Alto. Maruti Suzuki has exported 93,562 units of A-star to Europe alone. Currently, A-star sells in 19 countries in Europe. UK, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France are some of the major markets. With the K-series engine, the A-star has been rated as number one environmental friendly petrol car in Germany. The European version of A-star sports a Euro V compliant engine that emits CO2 as low as 103 gms per kilometer. The Australian version of A-Star won the Australian fuel rally recently with a mileage of 50kpl.
Other major markets for A-star, where it is sold as Suzuki Celerio include Chile, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Algeria and UAE. Like European countries, the car is sold as Suzuki Alto in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand markets.
In the first phase of A-star export plan, Maruti Suzuki has already covered many key markets in Western Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. In the second phase, Maruti Suzuki will target East European markets.
The A-star has led Maruti Suzuki’s export growth this fiscal so far. During April-November this fiscal, the company has exported 91,731 units whereas, during full fiscal last year, Maruti Suzuki’s export was 70,023 units.
Whether it’s for one’s protection or a style statement or just a new high in luxury, the demand for such cars has more than doubled over the past five years. Special protection vehicles (SPV), better known as security vehicles, are built to withstand attacks from grenades, gunfire, and even explosions caused by RDX. The price tags of these SPVs are upwards of Rs 2 crore.
“We get a lot of requests for such cars, but when we tell them the price, people change their mind,” said a director of a luxury car dealership in Bangalore. Luxury car makers Mercedes Benz and BMW are known to be the biggest sellers of such vehicles in India.
Since these cars have to be custom-made at the factory, they are generally imported as completely built units, attracting high import duties. While Mercedes offers three variants of SPVs, the EGuard, S-Guard and G-Guard, BMW offers security variants of its 5-series, X5 series and 7-series cars.
“We received good response from this niche segment. Government and embassies, international delegations, politicians, celebrities and high-profile industrialists are some key customer groups,” said a Mercedes Benz India spokesperson.
BMW did not want to comment on this, citing confidentially clauses it signs with customers. But according to leading English daily around 15% to 25% of BMW’s 7 series sales in India comprise the security variants.
A Toyota official said that despite the company not offering such vehicles, requests pour in. “If a customer does get a Toyota car bulletproofed by a third party, then we will revoke the warranty on the car,” said the official.
The Fiesta, which will go on sale in the
Ford is already confident that the success that they are enjoying with new Fiesta in the European market will transfer to
Ford Fiesta that’ will do the duty in US will be fitted with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 118 horsepower. Along with spirited performance, the engine is also quite economical, providing 17km/l. The car’s standard five-speed manual gearbox has ratios that have been selected to provide a good mix of lively acceleration as well as fuel economy, while a six-speed automatic will also be available on the US Fiesta.
This Fiesta, rather than the one currently sold in
The VW Polo had to compete against many cars. It excelled many world class cars in this stringent competition to win the ‘most aspired’ title. This award is also one of the oldest and most esteemed awards in Europe that started in 1964. Fifty-nine jurors from twenty-three European countries cast their votes in this tough competition. The total number of participants of this year’s ‘European Car Of The Year’ contest was thirty-three.The nearest competitor of the VW Polo was the Toyota iQ which managed to score 337 points while the Polo scored 347 points.
The Volkswagen Polo scored 347 points with 59 votes and 25 vote wins followed by the Toyota iQ with 337 points, 58 votes and 20 vote wins. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra was third with 221 points, 55 votes and 5 vote wins. The Skoda Yeti scored 158 points, 54 votes and 4 vote wins with the Mercedes-Benz E-class scoring 155 points, 48 votes and 2 wins at the last of the top five contestants list.
The last time Volkswagen won this contest was way back in 1992 with its new third generation Golf which emerged victorious over the preference for the Opel Astra and the Citroen ZX.
The rating and judgement have done on total value proposition of the car, not only on luxury aspects of the car. It is quite interesting to see that Polo has been voted above two well proven cars like that of Skoda Yeti and Mercedes Benz E-Class. We are expecting Skoda Yeti in India in upcoming 2010 Auto Expo. So India will become another warfront for these German engineering marvels.
Since its market launch in May of this year, Volkswagen has received over 130,000 orders for the new benchmark car of the compact class. The Polo is available as a dynamic 3-door and comfortable 5-door in Germany. As the Polo BlueMotion, just 3.3 litre fuel consumption makes it the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly five-seater in the world.
The Volkswagen Polo is India-bound. The expected launch of the Polo in India is likely to be in the sidelines of the 2010 New Delhi Auto Expo. This hatchback which already has created some flutters in the Indian automotive circle with it’s to be tagged speculated wallet-friendly price, seems to have announced its arrival in the Indian scene with this award.
The starting price of the VW Polo is expected to be around Rs 4.5 Lakh in India. The Indian version of Polo may be a stripped version of the European one.
The India’s biggest car maker Tata believes that the car industry would decide the future of economic-friendly models. However, no detailed picture could be got about the cheap hybrid versions. Nano spread the revolution at the price factor of $2000 and entered the roads in last July.
Mr. Ratan Tata briefed that his company has plans to export the light truck Ace to South Korea and also assembling and manufacturing the truck in South Korean plant. By promoting bio technology and bioengineering, he said the company wants to play on the nutrient-enriched food market.
Tata is exploring its potential in Vietnam and the US markets before making any active participation. Simultaneously, the company is assessing the investment in automobiles, software and hotel lines along with bio fuel in South American belts like Brazil and Argentina.
Ratan Tata, the chairman of both Tata Group and Tata Motors - the biggest vehicle producer in India - made the comments on a visit to South Korea.
A hybrid vehicle typically uses two or more distinct power sources to move it, usually petrol or diesel and a battery. Mr Tata also said that low-priced goods would drive sales faster than high-end ones in India.
And he predicted this so-called price revolution would also continue to spread across the world. The chairman did not provide any further details on the possible launch of cheap hybrid versions.The Nano, whose basic model costs 100,000 rupees was first delivered in India in July this year.
Feng Shui claims that number, colour and position of an object in the car's interior can definitely bring about some positive changes to your car, which in turn would have a deeper influence on your personality and lifestyle. Today, when cars have become a part of our every life, many people believe in Feng Shui and astrology to maintain the car in good conditions for years to come. It is said that the application of these philosophies helps to create a perfect harmony between the car, passengers and the environment making their driving experience more pleasurable, relaxing and safe.
Feng Shui Numbers can represent various aspects of life including health, career, prosperity, relationships, and growth. It is believed that if you take the license plate number of your vehicle according to the Feng Shui Number, they will have a positive impact in your life maintaining peace and prosperity.
If the total of the numbers in the license plate is 8, it represents a good fortune, wealth, and recognition. If the license plate numbers add to 6, it represents union, spirituality, and smooth sailing of your car in accordance to the smooth flow of life. If the number adds up to 1, then it marks a new beginning and if it adds up to 9, it states the end of everything.
So, you can get a customized number plate to ensure that you live in perfect harmony with the natural forces of earth and enjoy a more relaxing and pleasurable drive.
According to Feng Shui, each Feng Shui Number is associated with a colour. Every individual has a different Feng Shui number based on gender and date of birth. This number is also known as Kua number. Based upon your Kua number you can decide your choice of car colour. To calculate the Kua number, take your year of birth and add last two years together. For men subtract the number from 10 and the resultant number is the Kua number and in case of women, add 5 to the sum of the last two digits. A Feng Shui expert can help you decide the car colour for you.
So, apply Feng Shui in your car and see the difference. Hope they bring you the harmony and prosperity in your life, you are seeking for!
The Tata Indica Electric was unveiled at the 2008 Auto Expo. But at that time, this electric car was not meant for
The Indian car company, famous for its SUVs, must have pondered about the unfavourable environmental affects in
The launch of the Tata Indica Vista Electric in
Of late, many car makers are considering to bringing in their electric car line-up to
He has designed an air-powered car, a gravity-operated bicycle, a handglider, an aeroboat, a water cycle, an amphibian boat and the much talked-about TRYGO-X. The TRYGO-X is a two-seater car assembled from motor parts of obsolete vehicles. His latest creation boasts a method to generate electricity by moving vehicles over a rubble strip or speedbreaker. The mechanism of the speedbreaker is based on the principle of conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy, which in turn can be used to generate electricity. This innovation has been certified by the department of design of IIT Guwahati. Moreover, IIT Guwahati has already developed the prototype of Gogoi’s aeroboat that can travel on just four inches of water.
Mr. Gogoi has also made a solar hybrid car, whose 320 watt battery is charged by solar panels and is powered by a 100cc engine. He has designed a car which can on air energy powered by a hand glider and can reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h. This car is made by integrating motorcycle and Maruti 800 engines.
Interestingly, Kanak Gogoi is just 12th pass. Recently, he is honoured by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) with the National Innovation Award by the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil for his achievements. Moreover, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offered him to build a fully furnished laboratory in Guwahati.
The recent study by J.D. Power Asia Pacific measures the problems of owners and their experience with their new vehicle during the first two to six months of ownership. It examines more than 200 problem symptoms covering categories that include engine and transmission, AC, controls and displays, interiors, audio, entertainment and navigation systems and others.
All problems are summarized as the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).
Initial quality in the engine and transmission category improved more than in any other category, with 12 fewer PP100 compared to last year’s. Although excessive fuel consumption continued to be the single issue most commonly reported by owners, this area improved more than any other area, compared with 2008.
It has been found out that nine out of eleven auto makers have improved in initial quality since 2008.
Incidence of problems in automobiles, particularly during the initial ownership period, leads not only to increased dissatisfaction, but also to lower levels of loyalty and advocacy. Owners who report an initial quality problem are much less likely to repurchase or recommend the same make, compared with those who do not report experiencing a problem. Loyalty and advocacy intentions decline by 9 and 14 percentage points, respectively, among owners who report experiencing problems during the initial ownership period.
The 2009 India IQS, now in its 13th year, is based on evaluations from more than 6,600 owners who purchased a new vehicle between November 2008 and July 2009. The study includes 50 vehicle models covering 13 makes. The study was fielded from May to September 2009 in 20 cities across
BMW has made public the details and pictures of its sixth-generation 5 Series sedan. It has whole new range of new technologies, new engines and an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. The new BMW 5 Series saloon has the longest wheelbase in its class (2,968mm) which creates more space for its passengers. The car also has 520 litres of boot space which is very useful for many.
The console is slightly inclined (by seven degrees) towards the driver. The multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other. The car has used the BMW’s ‘Black Panel’ technology on the instrument panel and centre console, similar to the BMW 7 Series and the 5 Series Gran Turismo, adds a touch of luxury to the cabin.
The new BMW 5 Series saloon is available in three diesel and four petrol engines. Petrol variants include the 523i, 528i and 535i, all of which get six-cylinder engines, while the range-topping 550i gets a 4.4-litre, 407-horsepower V8.
The BMW is expected to launch the new 5 Series in India early next year. And it will be priced starting at Rs 45 lakh and above.
Volkswagen’s supervisory board has now okayed for the company’s plan to takeover Porsche. The VW supervisory board had agreed to the contracts determining details of the intricate tie-up last week. Porsche's board was expected to follow suit on Friday.
VW might invest about 25.8 billion euros ($A42.42 billion) in materials factories, and vehicle types by the end of 2012. Most of the funds will be used for production and equipment sites. And VW is keen to overtake the number one auto maker Toyota I another eight years. Volkswagen also plans to invest 4.4 billion euros ($A7.14 billion) in China, through joint ventures, by the end of 2012.
Porsche's chief sports car operations will all be incorporated into VW as its 10th brand. As an initial step, VW will acquire a 49.9 per cent stake for 3.9 billion euros by the close of this year,.
VW's institutional investors have criticised the poor visibility on Porsche's financial situation and guaranteed to resist the deal.
According to Mitsuhiro Umeyama, General Manager of Toyota Motor Corporation’s global Research and Development division, around 5 per cent of Toyota’s automobiles sold globally are hybrids and the company would be satisfied if it matched that percentage in India. To get to 5 per cent, the Japanese car company would have to sell around 2,500 hybrids in the country.
Hybrid cars such as the Prius emit half the amount of carbon dioxide than conventional fuel engine cars.
Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, had said that earlier the Prius hybrid car will be unveiled at the 2010 Delhi Auto Show and will be launched in the first quarter of 2010. Toyota is sticking to its plan despite high import duties that have in the past scuttled plans of other car makers. Here, we cab recall Honda’s bad experience while launching the hybrid version of the Civic in India. The hybrid sedan had a low demand because of its 104 per cent import tariff. Honda finally had to give a discount as much as Rs 8 Lakhs to clear its stock in the country.
Mitsuhiro Umeyama, who is in charge of development of new technologies, also laid out Toyota’s vision for the future. The car manufacturer will continue to work on electric cars, hybrids and fuel cells. Electric cars are likely for city transport, while hybrids would be used for longer distances, Umeyama said. Fuel cells such as hydrogen could be used by goods transporters, he added. But unlike rivals, the company is not betting on any one alternative fuel platform.
“We think at this stage each type of vehicle is needed for future cities,” said Umeyama, adding that he wasn’t sure which one will emerge as the favoured choice.
But like rivals Nissan, Toyota has serious plans in the battery market. It already has a battery joint venture with Panasonic Corporation.
Toyota Motor Corporation is on track to introduce its first small car for the Indian market in late 2010. The car company has no plans to go down the low-cost route. But, fuel efficiency would also be the focus of the scompany’s efforts.
Hyundai is in deep thoughts, it is planning to launch its facelifted Verna in India. The new Verna has already been launched in the Korea. And now the company might launch it in India with much expectation.
The launch of the revamped Maruti SX4 and Ford Fiesta could be an important factor behind the company’s decision to launch the facelifted Verna in India.
The Verna was launched by Hyundai in India back in 2005. Since the time, the car has not received any major change in its looks. The growing struggle in the auto industry has forced the company think about bringing in the new looking Verna to India.
We are not clear about the changes that the car would receive, and whether it will be able to conquer the hearts of the Indian car lovers. We are neither aware of the launching date of this new Verna nor the price of the car.
The Rolls Royce Ghost was revealed to the Indian car lovers in Delhi.
Announced in the 2006 Paris Motor Show, the Rolls Royce Ghost was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year. Earlier, the car was hinted as RR4. The sketches of the car released by the company showed that it had some changes from the conventional Rolls Royce cars.
The Ghost has a centre opening door configuration, with hand crafted interiors and grill. While compared to other Roll Royce cars, the Ghost is slightly smaller in dimensions, and still it is more powerful and it is the most technologically advanced car from Rolls Royce stable. The top-end model of the Ghost will be priced at Rs 2.5 Crore where as the Phantom comes for Rs. 4.45 Crore.
The super luxury sedan comes with a 6.6 L twin-turbo V12 engine. The company hopes to sell 50 cars in the country. The first delivery of the Ghost in the country is expected to happen in quarter one of the next year.
1. Check your car tyres every morning. If you see any kind of swelling, breakage, or even a minor crack is exposed on the tyre surface, change it immediately.
2. Car tyres should be replaced after every 10 years depending on the weather, road and driving conditions. Tyres are composed of rubber compounds that contain an anti-oxidising chemical to slow down the natural ageing process of untreated rubber. Blocking the natural process of ageing increases the risk of failure. It can run well up to 8 to 10 years but after that it is essential to replace them.
3. When replacing the tyres, always use proper size wheel bolts. If the bolts are long or short it may increase the risk of wheel jumping out and even damage the suspension system.
4. In case of mounting the tyres make sure that it is mounted on rims with the correct width. Also ensure that the tyres and the tubes are of the same brand.
5. Tyre pressure should be periodically checked as it affects a number of parameters including tyre life, fuel-efficiency, highway safety, ride quality, and the reliability of the car.
6. All the tyres should be inflated with the correct air pressure as both under-inflation and over-inflation leads to premature tyre failure.
7. If the tyres are under-inflated it causes more tread wear on the outer edge of the tyre's surface. It may damage the suspension components and hamper the car's performance. It may also increase the rolling resistance which can cause a fatal car accident.
8. Over-inflation leads to higher wear and tear on the tyre's mid-line and may lead to poor handling.
9. If the tyres are under-inflated, then the car utilises more energy to drive thereby consuming more fuel.
10. If in case you find any kind of air leakage from the tyre, replace the valve core and the valve cap.
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